Gestational diabetes: Your risk of getting type 2 diabetes

Because you've had gestational diabetes, you have an increased risk (40 to 60 percent) of developing type 2 diabetes during your lifetime. You can reduce this risk by eating well-balanced meals, maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly.

Stay alert to the signs and symptoms of developing diabetes, including:

• fatigue
• increased hunger or thirst
• increased urination, especially at night
• dry or itchy skin
• blurry vision
• increased infections, especially vaginal or urinary tract
• slow-healing cuts or sores.

If you have any of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean you have type 2 diabetes, but it's important that you call your health care provider. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. The only way diabetes can be diagnosed is with a blood test.

Risk of your baby getting diabetes

Your baby isn't at risk for developing diabetes simply because of your gestational diabetes.

If you follow the guidelines for managing your gestational diabetes and maintain a normal blood glucose level during pregnancy, your baby is less likely to be predisposed to obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Tip for Mom

It is recommended that you have your fasting blood glucose tested every year.

Related Links

Gestational diabetes

Allina Pregnancy Care

First published: 11/27/2006
Last updated: 11/27/2006

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts